Shihan Otto Johnson Promoted to 9^th Dan In American Wado Ryu

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On March 22, 2003, at the Shuyokan Dojo in Costa Mesa, California, a formal open test was administered by members of the World Professional Black Belt Martial Art Organization (W.P.B.B.M.A.O.) for Shihan Otto Johnson, Founder and Headmaster of the American Wado Ryu Federation International. Sitting on the examination board, was Olohe Solomon Kaihewalu, Grandmaster of Lua and founder of the W.P.B.B.M.A.O., Richard Rabago Sensei, 8^th Dan Shorin Ryu Karate Do, Supreme Grandmaster Master Ted Tabura of Okinawa-Te / Lima Lama, and Soke David Dye of Shuyokan Ryu. Hanshi George Alexander, 9^th Dan, International Shorin Ryu Karate Kobudo Federation, who could not be present in person, sent a letter of recommendation for promotion.

Also present were Shihan Johnson's two sons and other guests from various martial art systems. Assisting Shihan Johnson as his Uke was Sensei Daniel Hect, 5^th Dan in Goju Ryu Karate and Dojocho of the Shudokan Dojo located in California.

The examination consisted of advanced Wado Ryu Kata, Self-Defense Techniques, Kumite, and the history of Wado Ryu. At the conclusion of the examination, Shihan Johnson was presented with a certificate of promotion to the rank of 9^th Dan and the instructor rank and title of Hanshi in the American Wado Ryu Federation International which was signed and witnessed by the board members.

Soke Dye made the following comment after the presentation: "Today marks an historical event in your martial arts career. All that has taken place prior to this date is history and what takes place from this day forth begins a legacy in the future of the American Wado Ryu Federation International. Your promotion and title is not a self-proclaimed one, but is one that has been handed down to you from a group of high ranking martial artists with a long line of traditional lineage. Challenging what has taken place here today, is challenging the traditional lineage of all of those who are present that represent their lineage from many martial arts masters of the past. Because of what has taken place here today, your legacy and the legacy of the American Wado Ryu Federation International shall live on long after we have passed."

Hanshi Johnson expressed his intentions to continue his efforts to promote the growth of American Wado Ryu throughout the world through the American Wado Ryu Federation International.